Overview

• Italian courts have repeatedly blocked the transfer of migrants to Albania, citing legal concerns and the need for case-by-case assessments of safe country designations.
• Premier Giorgia Meloni's government argues the centers, which opened in October, are part of 'innovative solutions' to manage migration flows and deter departures from Africa.
• The Italian Supreme Court recently ruled that the government can designate safe countries for repatriation, though lower courts can evaluate individual cases.
• The European Court of Justice is expected to weigh in on the legality of the plan, with a decision anticipated in the coming months.
• Italy has allocated €650 million over five years for the centers, which aim to process asylum claims quickly but have yet to become operational due to legal challenges.